---
product_id: 366800756
title: "Disturbing the Universe: Wagner's Musikdrama"
price: "€ 38.24"
currency: EUR
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reviews_count: 10
url: https://www.desertcart.nl/products/366800756-disturbing-the-universe-wagners-musikdrama
store_origin: NL
region: Netherlands
---

# Disturbing the Universe: Wagner's Musikdrama

**Price:** € 38.24
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## Description

Buy Disturbing the Universe: Wagner's Musikdrama by Vernon, David (ISBN: 9781527299245) from desertcart's Book Store. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders.

Review: A book to disturb the Wagner universe - Do we need another book on Wagner? Just when it seems we're in danger of becoming overloaded with books examining all aspects of the man and his art (some from very shaky foundations), along comes another one soon enough. But this fascinating new book thankfully doesn't seek to either place Richard Wagner on a pedestal and turn him into a religion, or knock him down and blame him for everything from the rise of atonality to the rise of the Nazis. Perfect for both the newcomer to Wagner's art, wondering quite what it is that makes Wagnerians swoon so much over these unique achievements in music and drama, or the long-standing Wagnerite who will glean fresh and fascinating new insights into the musikdramas (as Dr. Vernon calls them, and explains why in his introduction). Each of the ten canonical works are given a chapter each, with a concise summary of the plots provided as an appendix. Both the contents of the music and the drama are considered, with some history as to their background and composition. The uglier sides of Wagner's personality are not ignored or played down, but neither is he portrayed as the irredeemable monster in some of the more hysterical books on him. But in a refreshing change, Wagner the revolutionary socialist is shown to cast a longer shadow on the works than many previous authors have perhaps engaged with. Although Lohengrin was composed during Wagner's radical Utopian Socialist (as Marx might've called him) phase, until now I'd never considered those views to be especially present in the work until I'd read the chapter discussing it. This is an excellent addition in what has been a good couple of years for Wagner literature. This can be placed alongside Alex Ross's recent book Wagnerism and the Cambridge Companion to Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen edited by Mark Berry and Nicholas Vazsonyi as bringing fresh insights into Wagner's works, an essential addition to any music lovers shelf. Absorbing reading, and with a lovely dedication to a very fine exponent of Wagner's art, Karita Mattila.
Review: A valuable addition to any Wagnerian’s library - highly recommended. - David Vernon’s new book is an insightful journey through the operatic works of Richard Wagner, and a rattling good read. Vernon’s writing style is vivid, colourful and, most crucially, crystal clear. Meanwhile, his central theme - the unique, revolutionary nature of Wagner’s “musikdrama” - is convincing, compellingly and knowledgeably argued. The book takes each of Wagner’s mature works in turn and guides us through their varying natures, charting the development of Wagner’s ideas and aims over time. Vernon explicitly avoids dealing with too much of Wagner’s biographical details, except where they have a direct impact on the operas themselves; but despite clearly being an ardent Wagner fan, he doesn’t shy away from the more problematic aspects of the composer’s work when those moments arise. This book’s ideal reader might be someone who has dipped their toes into Wagner’s music and liked what they’ve heard, and now seeks a guide towards further understanding what lies deeper within the dramas themselves. But hardcore Wagner fans, not to mention those who make a living from performing his works, will also find a great deal into which to sink their teeth. Included at the end are pithy synopses of each opera, as well as suggestions for further reading which are well-judged and not too overwhelming. Overall, this is a valuable addition to any Wagnerian’s library - highly recommended.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Best Sellers Rank | 704,390 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) 226 in Opera Music |
| Customer reviews | 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars (47) |
| Dimensions  | 12.7 x 1.98 x 20.32 cm |
| ISBN-10  | 1527299244 |
| ISBN-13  | 978-1527299245 |
| Item weight  | 350 g |
| Language  | English |
| Print length  | 310 pages |
| Publication date  | 11 Sept. 2021 |
| Publisher  | Candle Row Press |

## Images

![Disturbing the Universe: Wagner's Musikdrama - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51fOoBN4CzL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A book to disturb the Wagner universe
*by J***R on 26 September 2021*

Do we need another book on Wagner? Just when it seems we're in danger of becoming overloaded with books examining all aspects of the man and his art (some from very shaky foundations), along comes another one soon enough. But this fascinating new book thankfully doesn't seek to either place Richard Wagner on a pedestal and turn him into a religion, or knock him down and blame him for everything from the rise of atonality to the rise of the Nazis. Perfect for both the newcomer to Wagner's art, wondering quite what it is that makes Wagnerians swoon so much over these unique achievements in music and drama, or the long-standing Wagnerite who will glean fresh and fascinating new insights into the musikdramas (as Dr. Vernon calls them, and explains why in his introduction). Each of the ten canonical works are given a chapter each, with a concise summary of the plots provided as an appendix. Both the contents of the music and the drama are considered, with some history as to their background and composition. The uglier sides of Wagner's personality are not ignored or played down, but neither is he portrayed as the irredeemable monster in some of the more hysterical books on him. But in a refreshing change, Wagner the revolutionary socialist is shown to cast a longer shadow on the works than many previous authors have perhaps engaged with. Although Lohengrin was composed during Wagner's radical Utopian Socialist (as Marx might've called him) phase, until now I'd never considered those views to be especially present in the work until I'd read the chapter discussing it. This is an excellent addition in what has been a good couple of years for Wagner literature. This can be placed alongside Alex Ross's recent book Wagnerism and the Cambridge Companion to Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen edited by Mark Berry and Nicholas Vazsonyi as bringing fresh insights into Wagner's works, an essential addition to any music lovers shelf. Absorbing reading, and with a lovely dedication to a very fine exponent of Wagner's art, Karita Mattila.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A valuable addition to any Wagnerian’s library - highly recommended.
*by P***S on 28 September 2021*

David Vernon’s new book is an insightful journey through the operatic works of Richard Wagner, and a rattling good read. Vernon’s writing style is vivid, colourful and, most crucially, crystal clear. Meanwhile, his central theme - the unique, revolutionary nature of Wagner’s “musikdrama” - is convincing, compellingly and knowledgeably argued. The book takes each of Wagner’s mature works in turn and guides us through their varying natures, charting the development of Wagner’s ideas and aims over time. Vernon explicitly avoids dealing with too much of Wagner’s biographical details, except where they have a direct impact on the operas themselves; but despite clearly being an ardent Wagner fan, he doesn’t shy away from the more problematic aspects of the composer’s work when those moments arise. This book’s ideal reader might be someone who has dipped their toes into Wagner’s music and liked what they’ve heard, and now seeks a guide towards further understanding what lies deeper within the dramas themselves. But hardcore Wagner fans, not to mention those who make a living from performing his works, will also find a great deal into which to sink their teeth. Included at the end are pithy synopses of each opera, as well as suggestions for further reading which are well-judged and not too overwhelming. Overall, this is a valuable addition to any Wagnerian’s library - highly recommended.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Brilliant Work!
*by M***S on 23 December 2021*

This one of the most interesting and insightful books I have read on the music dramas of r Richard Wagner. Dr Vernon combines musical and textual analysis with a clear concise and very engaging exploration of these works which I believe will open them up to new audiences. For example his thoughts on the giant Fasolt as the first hero of the Ring got me to re-think this narrative of the Ring. He has an incredibly powerful and engaging prose style. I recommend listening to one of your fav recordings of each of Wagners works as you read Dr Vernon’s excellent and innovative analysis and thoughts. Highly recommend!

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*Product available on Desertcart Netherlands*
*Store origin: NL*
*Last updated: 2026-01-28*